Exercise reduces cancer risk
From 2009 through 2024, a total of 889 patients underwent randomization to either the exercise group (445 patients) or the health-education group (444 patients).
The exercise group engaged in regular exercise, namely brisk walking 45-60 minutes 3-4 weekly. The health education group received general health information.
Here’s what they discovered: At the 5-year mark in the study, the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or from new cancers. At 8 years, they had a 37% lower risk of death.
The results revealed that the 3-year structured exercise program initiated soon after adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer resulted in significantly longer disease-free survivals, as well as, findings consistent with longer overall survival.
What amazing discoveries!! Such a powerful reminder that movement doesn’t have to be intense or all-consuming to be life-changing.
More and more we see evidence of the healing benefits of exercise:
Builds strength, lean muscle mass, bone density, and mobility (namely, from resistance training, like Pilates)
Reduced risk of chronic disease
Increased energy and quality of life
Boost mood and improved mental health
Increased cognitive function, enhancing various mental processes and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline
And now potentially longer life and lower cancer recurrence
Movement really is medicine :D
Photo Credit: Meg Kristina Photography
Resources
Courneya, K. S., Vardy, J. L., O’Callaghan, C. J., Gill, S., Friedenreich, C. M., Wong, R. K. S., Dhillon, H. M., Coyle, V., Chua, N. S., Jonker, D. J., Beale, P. J., Haider, K., Tang, P. A., Bonaventura, T., Wong, R., Lim, H. J., Burge, M. E., Hubay, S., Sanatani, M., … Booth, C. M. (2025). Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 393(1), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2502760
Carpenter, S. (2025, July 9). Exercise reduces cancer risk [Personal communication].
Faculty of Health and Waterloo Regional Health Network. (2025, July 3). Structured exercise significantly improves survival in colon cancer patients. https://uwaterloo.ca/news/health/structured-exercise-significantly-improves-survival-colon
